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Spending More Time And Money On Video Games? This IU Professor Says It Makes Sense

By Bente Bouthier

Posted June 24, 2020

video games

(WFIU/WTIU News)

While many industries struggle to stay afloat during the pandemic, the video game industry is experiencing unprecedented profit.

Americans have spent more money and time on games since the pandemic began.

In the U.S., video game sales hit a record $10.86 billion in the first quarter of 2020. A report by Verizon says streaming games in the US during peak hours has gone up 75 percent since the pandemic began. 

Raiford Guins is a professor of cinema and media studies in the IU Media School who studies video game history. He says it makes sense that people would invest more in games as in-person interactions are limited.

"I think games that rely upon team play, competitive play, co-op play, these types of titles seem to really be thriving because much like that public place of a playground, it’s a meeting spot,” he says.

Guins says he is not sure if the spike will last, as the video game industry is inhibited by restrictions around the world meant to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

He also says it is hard to tell if people will continue to play and spend as much on games once the pandemic is over.

For the latest news and resources about COVID-19, bookmark our Coronavirus In Indiana page here. 

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